Spicy pecan-crusted salmon at Palmer’s

—

STAFF REPORT

More than 200 people who went to the third annual Taste of Hays County restaurant showcase Sept. 28 cast votes for people’s choice awards in seven categories.

For the third year, Palmer’s Restaurant, Bar and Courtyard won the Best Overall category as well as Best for Dinner for its sauteed pecan-crusted chicken. Held this year at Redbird Skyport at the San Marcos airport, Taste of Hays County is the largest fundraising event for United Way of Hays County.

“I want Palmer’s to stand as a platform of stewardship to give back to the community. I feel good about United Way’s efforts in the community and I want to show support for what they do day after day, week after week, year after year,” said Monte Sheffield, who bought Palmer’s in 2010.

Palmer’s and three others shared the seven Taste of Hays County awards. Other winners include racetrack burger artisans Bailey’s Burgers (Best for Lunch and Best Entree); downtown San Marcos newcomer Fresh Cubed (Best Appetizer); and food trailer confectionist LoveBaked (Best Desert and Best Booth Décor).

Strawberries and Cream cupcake from Lovebaked Cupcakes

A fresh salad at Fresh Cubed

Best for Lunch

» Bailey’s Burgers
24801 Interstate 35, Kyle (at Thunderhill Raceway)

Best Entree

» Bailey’s Burgers
24801 Interstate 35, Kyle (at Thunderhill Raceway)

Best Appetizer

» Fresh Cubed
100 W. Hopkins St

Best Desert

» LoveBaked Cupcakes
31o N. Guadalupe Street

Best Booth Décor

» LoveBaked Cupcakes
31o N. Guadalupe Street

Best for Dinner

» Palmer’s Restaurant, Bar and Courtyard
218 Moore Street

Best Overall

» Palmer’s Restaurant, Bar and Courtyard
218 Moore Street

Other restaurants that competed this year include Centerpoint Station (San Marcos), Gumby’s Pizza (San Marcos), Nonna Gina’s Italian Restaurant (Buda), The Pedestrian Street Café (San Marcos), The Root Cellar Café (San Marcos) and Tavern on Main (Buda).

Event sponsors include Broadway Bank, Butler Manufacturing, Central Texas Medical Center, TXI, Community Impact Newspaper, Embassy Suites San Marcos Hotel, Spa & Conference Center, Conley Enterprises, Randolph Brooks Federal Credit Union, Mensor, San Marcos Academy, Chloe and John Navarrette, Priority Personnel, Springtown Veterinary Clinic, Wayne and Robin Becak, Sur Powr Battery, Creekside Vintage, Susan Fisher and Century Link.